Free and above average
User Rating: 8.5 | TrackMania Nations Forever PC
Nadeo continues to make a surprise by publishing Trackmania Nations Forever (TNF) freely for everybody, similar to the prior version of this game TrackMania Nations (download available from http://www.trackmanianations.com). Indeed, the first version used to set a record when having over one million registration for playing online right in the first week.TNF is supposed to continue to impress players with over 65 new race-tracks. However, its method is different from most of racing game nowadays because instead of allowing you to rival freely with other computer-control driver, game requires to finish the tracks as soon as possible (Time Attack). Race-tracks in TNF still contains many traps and thorny turning-points that require maximum attention from players. Only one moment of distraction can cost you the medal even when the finish is just few hundreds meters ahead. Predicting this difficulty, the developers provide "Ghost" option at the beginning of each round. When turning this feature on, you will have a NPC driver ahead to guide you through the track. Besides, "Ghost" driver will behave differently depending on your goal (the color of your medal). Of coures, the higher the goal, the faster the computer drivers and it's normal if new players see themselves dropped behind a long distance.
Thanks to available online service, each time you finish a race, your record will be updated and you can know your rank in your country or all over the world. Besides, one can send his record to challenge other players. Saving replay of a round is also easy. On the other hand, once you have finished with standard tracks, you can create your own ones using the editor of the game. These valuable features are the key to TNF's success.
While most racing game nowadays raise their system requirement, TNF only demands a modest computer: CPU Pentium 3 or Athlon 500MHz, 256MB RAM and 16MB VGA. However, its graphics is amazing with proper light effects and many bright, attractive colors. Sound effect is good when synchronizing suitably with gameplay. Background soundtrack is very cool.
Since it's a free version, some modes like Puzzles Races, Crazy Races, Ramps... have not been included. Nevertheless, what it has is already amazing. 
